Lapis-Lazuli is one stone sought after for generations; it associates with royalty, honor, and power. It is also considered a stone which brings vision and direction to the leaders who bear it. Lapis-Lazuli is found abundantly in Afghanistan, which is the world's top producer of this rock. Smaller quantities are in Chile, Argentina, Canada, Russia, and Pakistan. Throughout the U.S. it can be found in small amounts throughout Arizona, California, and Colorado.

1. The Physical Properties of Lapis-Lazuli **

Lapis-Lazuli is a metamorphic rock. The blue silicate, Lazurite, gives this rock its identifiable blue hue. On the Mohs scale, the hardness of this rock is between 5 - 5.5 although, it depends where on the rock is tested; since it is composed of three different minerals with each having a particular density. The stone is slightly porous and often treated with dyes and wax before being sold.

2. The History of Lapis-Lazuli **

During the time of the Renaissance, it was crushed into a fine powder and used to make paint for such works spotlighting the Virgin Mary and other sacred beings with which the blue hue was associated. Ultramarine blue was the pigment used by such artists as Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Titian. Cleopatra also used this fine powder as eyeshadow, giving her an iconic look that is still remembered today. This stone has been found as far back as the Neolithic era 3000 B.C. being used as jewelry and for making ornamental objects.

3. The Lore of Lapis-Lazuli **

Ancient Egyptians treasured this stone for its spiritual insights. Pharaohs such as King Tut and others had their tombs heavily decorated with this stone as it was thought to bridge the gap between the living and the dead. Egyptian artisans used this stone extensively in scarabs, pendants and other forms of jewelry. In modern times it is still used for meditation and in cleansing rituals as well as for seeking direction and guidance.

4. The Metaphysical Properties of Lapis-Lazuli **

Lapis- Lazuli is attributed to have properties that help intellectual analysis and problem-solving. It promotes memory and aides in learning but also eases communication and can be used to strengthen or create relationships. This beautiful rock is composed of three or four different minerals, to each of which is attributed with different metaphysical properties.

?Lazurite - Intuition and Psychic Development

?White Calcite - Clear and Cleanse

?Pyrite - Understanding, and Resolving

?Sodalite - Rationality and Objectivity

It is thought of as a leadership stone which provides a vision for the future and overall good judgment. It also associates with honesty and truth; this can refer to one's self or with others. Self-awareness and self-acceptance improve by using this stone. Lapis-Lazuli takes away the fear of displeasing others. It purifies and cleanses those who use it; being thought of as highly influential in providing clarity of thought.

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